6 Ways to Beat Springtime Pollen Allergies

This year might hold one of the most intense, pollen-filled springs in recent memory. And if you’re like the approximately 35 million Americans who suffer from pollen allergies, you know how much havoc it can cause. There’s a reason millions of Americans buy products and drugs in hopes of curing the watery eyes, runny nose, and congestion symptoms of hay fever. It’s because pollen allergies can really ruin our lives. But those drugs don’t get to the root of the problem; they only mask the symptoms. By the next spring, your problems are back and you’re spending money you don’t need to on the same old pills.

What most people don’t understand is that the root cause of allergies is most often a buildup of inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by our diet, toxins in the air, and the chemicals we put on our skin. I want to share with you the six all-natural changes you can make to help your inflammation and ease your pollen problems this spring and beyond. By implementing a few strategic changes, you can help your body deal with all allergens more effectively, for the rest of your life.

1.Take vitamin C, quercetin, and pycnogenol. Everyone knows the power of vitamin C in boosting your immune system. A stressed and inflamed system deals with pollen and other allergens less effectively, and Vitamin C works to reduce inflammation. That’s why in addition to vitamin C, I recommend taking the anti-inflammatory pycnogenol, an extract of pine bark. Round it out with the bioflavinoid quercetin for its natural antihistamine qualities and you can start to breathe again! Remember, you can’t just pop a supplement when you start sneezing. You need to take them over the long-term to really see their full benefits.

2. Get a HEPA air purifier. Almost nothing is as important for fighting pollen as getting the right kind of air purifier. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate absorption filter, which in plain English means it filters out even the smallest of allergens in the air. However, there are filters known as HEPA-type and HEPA-like that are, simply put, imitations and won’t be of much use. Make sure your filter says HEPA and is the right size for your bedroom — both of which will be indicated on the box. By dealing with all airborne allergens, such as mold, dander, chemicals and, of course, pollen, these purifiers will reduce your overall inflammation, making this spring easier for you.

3. Reduce dietary inflammation. You’d be surprised how many people, once they change their diet, feel a reduction in their pollen allergy symptoms. Remember, the key to allergies is inflammation. When we eat dairy, gluten, and sugar, most of us experience some level of inflammation and allergic sensitivity. That means that not only does our body have to deal with the problems caused by these foods, it has to try to handle the springtime pollen on top of it all!

Allergies to these foods — which countless Americans have without knowing it — can also show themselves as extra congestion, making it harder for our noses to filter out pollen. By simply replacing dairy with coconut or almond milk; gluten products (wheat, bread, crackers, bagels) with brown rice, quinoa, and gluten-free oats; and eliminating sugar (including alcohol) altogether, you can cut your inflammation — and pollen allergies — dramatically.

4. Be careful during high-pollen days. There are several ways to be extra vigilant during the pollen season. Remember, each time you walk in the house, you’re dragging pollen with you on your skin and clothes. My recommendation is to change out of your clothes, put them in the wash immediately, and take a shower to remove any pollen on your skin. Making your home a no-shoes household is another good idea so you’re not dragging less-than-desirable materials across your floor. Finally, keep your windows shut. There’s no easier way for pollen to get in than by you simply allowing it in! You can open them to recirculate the air for 10 minutes or so a few times a day.

5. Do a pollen “cleanse.” No, I don’t mean eating nothing but lemon juice and maple syrup. I’m talking about the all-natural nasal cleanse that people have used for thousands of years: the Neti pot. Neti pots are simple tools that you fill with salinated water solutions and help you clean out your sinuses. Congestion and allergen build-up literally get washed away! The less junk in your nose, the less inflammation. Make the Neti pot a part of your daily cleansing ritual and you will be guaranteed to get the upper hand on pollen. Just remember to always use water that’s distilled, sterile, or previously boiled.

6. Reduce toxins in the home. Finally, it’s a great idea to make your home as free from toxins as possible. Volatile organic compounds — often found in paints, glues, vinyls, and plastics — can stress our immune systems and cause that dreaded, allergy-producing inflammation. Dyes, inks, and fragrances found in magazines and books are also big no-nos. See if you can switch from your particle board furniture (filled with VOCs) to real wood, and get as many synthetic chemicals out of the home as possible. Replace plastic containers and storage bins with metal or wood. Donate your magazines and maybe even some books to the library or a local charity. You’ll breathe easier this allergy season and beyond.

Susanne Bennett, DC, is the founder of the Wellness for Life Center in Santa Monica, Calif. As a natural allergy specialist, she believes that you can regain energy, vitality, and health by honoring your body’s innate healing powers. Her book The 7-Day Allergy Makeover is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and on her website.

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Everyday Health Guest Columnist

Everyday Health editors and guest columnists tackle commonly asked questions about health and medical conditions. We provide clear explanations and information that will help you understand what you need to...read more